Think Snake's notorious cardboard box is just a tool to aid your stealthy efforts? Think again. In online play, the cardboard box has a secret use; wearing the box actually makes you walk faster (uphill, at least). In games where you're running away from the enemy, it's not a bad idea to have the cardboard box always ready to be equipped via quick switch. If you've got enemies breathing down your neck, make your way towards a hill (or set of stairs) and suit up to put some distance between you and your foes.

Box Dismantling

Though we've already pointed out a non-stealthy use for the cardboard box, don't be surprised to find other players using it as a disguise. Every time you enter a new multiplayer level, dummy cardboard boxes will appear in random locations. With these randomly placed boxes, it's hard to tell which box has a person hiding underneath. Luckily, there's a way to check for just this thing. Walk straight into a cardboard box and, if it's a dummy box, the box will be dismantled. Alternatively, you can perform a dive roll over the box to crush it instantaneously.

Dive Roll Maneuver

All players are able to use Snake's patented dive roll. The move has a number of uses, the most obvious of which is attacking other players. By diving into an opponent, you can knock them down momentarily. As effective as this is, it's not the best use of the dive roll. Diving also lets you "jump" over short obstacles, including fallen trees and guard rails. Get used to using the dive roll to launch yourself over rails as you run through the levels. It'll give you a huge advantage over players that don't know to dive, letting you make your way from one place to another with incredible speed.

Don't Forget CQC

The original Snake Eater release introduced CQC—Close Quarters Combat—to fans of the series, and the unique combat system makes a return in the multiplayer modes of Subsistence. Don't forget CQC! Thought CQC isn't always going to be the best choice of action, it certainly does have its uses. If you're moving through very tight areas, like indoor buildings, it's a good idea to equip a weapon that'll let you use CQC at will. You can grab an enemy, toss him to the ground, then quickly aim for a head shot as he tries to stand up. Or...

Knife Is Good

...You can use your knife after throwing someone down with CQC. If you execute a thrust (by firmly pressing the attack button), you'll kill your enemy instantly. One hit, he's dead. Unfortunately, it's a bit tough to hit opponents while they're on the ground. Unless you've knocked your enemy unconscious, it's best to stand near his body and wait for him to stand up. As he does, execute a knife thrust to stab once and get a quick kill.

3D Camera—Use It!

We don't care which camera mode you choose to use in the single player game of Subsistence, but when it comes to online play you are forced to suffer the new 3D camera. We say "suffer" jokingly, because it really does give you a lot of options for viewing your surroundings. Be sure to use the camera to its full potential, letting you look in directions other than straight ahead. If you're making a bee-line towards your next objective, move straight ahead while rotating the camera around. You'll want to constantly check your surroundings to make sure no one sneaks up on you.

Wake Up Fast!

If you get knocked unconscious, quickly mash the action button to rebuild your stamina. By mashing, you can wake up for a stun a lot quicker, possibly letting you catch your opponents by surprise.

Manage Your Quick Select

With the default controls, tapping the weapon select button will toggle between three weapons in your quick select. You can manage which weapons show up in your quick select by selecting them at the beginning of the match. It's a good idea to take a second to manage your quick select so that you can quickly access your weapons in the heat of battle.

Smoke a Cigar

When playing as Snake, press the action button while standing still. Snake will smoke a cigar, which is perhaps the best move in the game. You may think it's completely useless, but there's nothing better than rushing to a capture point as Snake so that your late-to-come opponents find you casually smoking a fat cigar.